NCJ Number
49134
Date Published
1975
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE USE OF THE YONAN TECHNIQUE, A SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTION PROGRAM, TO REHABILITATE INMATES OF THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, ACHIEVED A 68-PERCENT SUCCESS RATE ACCORDING TO A FOLLOWUP AFTER 18 MONTHS.
Abstract
THE 8-SESSION TECHNIQUES IS BASED ON THE ARAMAIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS. THE EXACT NATURE OF THE CRITERIA USED TO DETERMINE SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION ARE NOT GIVEN IN THE REPORT. THE 2 FORMULATORS OF THE TECHNIQUE INSTRUCTED 2 INMATES FOR A PERIOD OF 2 WEEKS, AND THEN THESE 4 PERSONS INSTRUCTED 22 MEN IN A 2-HOUR SESSION EACH WEEK FOR 8 WEEKS. THESE 22 MEN WERE THE SUBJECTS OF THE FOLLOWUP STUDY THAT SHOWED A 68-PERCENT REHABILITATION RATE. THE TEACHING CONTENT IS BASED ON FIVE PRINCIPLES: (1) CRIMINALITY ORIGINATES IN THE MIND, AND IS THUS THE PRODUCT OF INCORRECT THINKING; (2) THE MIND HAS AN INHIBITORY SYSTEM WHICH ROUTINELY REMOVES FROM PERCEPTION, REASON, AND JUDGEMENT OVER 99 PERCENT OF AVAILABLE FACTS; (3) THIS FILTER SYSTEM MUST BE CONTROLLED BY EACH PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROPER DIRECTIONS, OR THE MIND WILL CONSTRUCT AN ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY; (4) EACH WORD IN THE DIRECTIONS FOR CONTROLLING THIS FILTER SYSTEM MUST BE ACCURATELY UNDERSTOOD, OR THE DIRECTIONS CANNOT BE FOLLOWED; AND (5) THE DIRECTIONS FOR PROPERLY CONTROLLING THIS FILTER SYSTEM WERE SET DOWN IN THE ARAMAIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS. THE SPECIFIC CONTENT OF THE INSTRUCTION MAINLY CONSISTED OF DEFINING THE MEANINGS OF 13 WORDS, INCLUDING LOVE, NEIGHBOR, FORGIVE, SIN, LAW, AND AUTHORITY. WHILE THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS HAS DISCONTINUED THIS PROGRAM FOR REASONS DESCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR AS BVEING 'DUE TO OUTSIDE FACTORS,' A PRIVATE RESIDENT TREATMENT FACILITY FOR PAROLEES, PROBATIONERS, AND PRISON RELEASEES IS USING THE PROGRAM. (RCB)